The Greatest Bass Doubler (You Probably Don't Know)

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Nobody else comes close to what you do for the history of the bass. Thank you so much for this Wilton Felder video and everything else you do.

[@jiujitsu344]

Haven't seen anything compared to this channel for bass history.

[@Acokeek]

You didn't name me .Iam still here.

[@circa1907czec]

Don’t forget his work with Michael Franks albums, Sleeping Gypsy and The Art of Tea.

[@PastorRCH]

The great saxophonist Wilton Felder blew my mind a long time ago, when I found out how accomplished he was on the bass guitar. It ain’t fair, I tell ya! 😆

[@WilDBeestMF]

Our dude basically took the mentality of the sax and brought it to the bass..

[@roberthearn6080]

Wilton Felder also played on my favorite Donald Byrd song Flight Time!

[@bobbachelor5930]

Wilton Felder is also the bassist on Michael Frank's classic "The Lady Wants To Know".

[@mikehudsonrocks9585]

Classic!! Perfection!!

[@bullet1218]

I've learned so much about bass players and musicians that played on records from this channel.....the history behind the scenes at its best...💯👍

[@no_guarantees]

Found Wilton Felder through Bobby Womack early 80s albums. Great Tribute 🙏🏾

[@brendonmurley8276]

That was fantastic - and what a range of people to have played with - on his SECOND instrument! Your channel is a treasure - thanks so much, pdbass.

[@bustabass9025]

A God gifted and talented musician, and an even greater person. I attended his funeral out in Long Beach a few years ago. Although no longer with us, his musical influences will be forever admired, and hopefully accurately accredited. Rest in peace Brother Felder. ✝️

[@lundsweden]

I've heard Wilton Felder's playing many times, without knowing his name. Thank you for this deep dive, this channel just keeps delivering!

[@MamaRii73]

I learn something new every episode. Thanks for sharing.

[@marcuswarren1320]

I always wanted Felder and Gerald Albright to record together, since they were/are excellent sax players who double as accomplished bass guitar players. R I.P. Wilton.

[@petertrotman7708]

Many thanks for this. My father got me into The Crusaders so I was already a fan of his big Texas sax sound. What a surprise to hear that he played bass in the band before the great 'Pops' Popwell joined, but the bigger shock was the number of sessions he did without me knowing. "Edith And The Kingpin" being one of my most loved. A superb musician and this was a fitting tribute. "We All Have a Star" is my favourite solo album of Wilton, incidentally with James Jamerson Jr, the son of JJ on bass and he kills on it. Cheers and hope you're well.

[@tonydialsr7190]

He was on the JACKSON FIVE tunes at MOTOWN . Thanks so much for spot lighting Wilton Felder. I had the opportunity to meet him in Cleveland Ohio. Great Brother thank you for this.

[@davidallanhardin]

You played with Maynard!? He was an institution in my household. Always had great musicians.

[@pine3737]

I'm an older bass player and you just solved a big mystery for me! I could never find out forsure if the sax and the bass player was the same guy. I love your post, I put them on when working at home with my bass. I take a break and know I am hearing the real deal that keeps the vibe I want that is my working environment

[@thorarthur66ddz]

Thank you for hipping me to Wilton Felder!

[@Vicnsi]

Always a Jazz Crusaders fan since the early days of the group, and being a bass/sax player as well myself, Wilton Felder has been one of my greatest musical inspirations 👍🏽. RIP Legend.

[@kodykindhart5644]

Check out Jay si proof from Pdx They are the horn section for super secret band

[@stannote8312]

Great tribute to Wilton Felder as a bassist. What many people don't know is the Crusaders keyboardist Joe Sample played right along side Wilton on many recording sessions, from Joni Mitchell to the Jackson 5. Beginning in the 70s, Felder and Sample did a ton of Motown sessions together.

[@JohnHancotte]

I knew exactly which tune to which you were referring when you made that opening disclaimer - and yes, it has been discussed many times. It seems he had a strong right hand attack but was able to keep it light. Those J5 tunes are intricate and precise. Hard to relax under that tempo and doubling the piano or guitar - or vocal as in The Love You Save. Great episode.

[@johnschofield3940]

That Bassline on Tidal Wave (Ronnie Laws) is a bit of a classic too...

[@garyt7855]

Wilton is definitely underrated. I'm surprised you didn't mention Ronnie Law's "Tidal Wave", from Ronnie's "Pressure Sensitive" album.

[@bkkersey93]

Well that credit can go to you🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@tommymandel3326]

Walkin' In the Rain!!!! ---- Thank you, pd for teaching me who played my favorite bass part of all time! ---

[@bigtimelakersfan5836]

Thanks again Paul for another great gem regarding bassist Wilton Felder who is also a masterful saxophonist!!! I always wondered who played bass on Walking In The Rain. Thank you for bringing us fans such priceless information and background checks on all of these wonderful musicians. Stay healthy and blessed my friend 💙❤️

[@skippruitt2391]

Wilson Felder is one of my heroes 🎷

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

What?! The great Wilton also played bass? Dang. Amazing musician. Great vid, man, thanx!

[@matthw633]

I didn’t know about him playing bass until a bassist buddy schooled me on the Jackson Five “ Love you save “ track. I was amazed. Paul I never knew that was Wilton on “ Walking in the rain “ ! That’s a great song. He was a phenomenal player. But I experienced this Sax/Bass combo when I saw Anita Baker on tour when her second album dropped. I’m looking for the sax player for the solo on “ You give me joy “. I’m shocked to see the bassist playing tenor. Cat named Gerald Albright. To my knowledge he’s more known for Sax. Paul thanks for the knowledge. I don’t know how you do it. But I’m glad you do. Glad you’re feeling better brother. Blessings.

[@jamesagnew5872]

I have been a Wilton Felder fan for a few years now and always looking out for tracks he recorded on bass. The breadth of his recordings is stunning. And then you throw in The Crusaders and I have always been stunned at the lack of acknowledgement for him. Thank you for this recognition of a giant of the bass.

[@darylorage]

Thank you for this history. "Way Back Home" is actually my 6:30am alarm. I have greater appreciation, thanks to this video.

[@Joeh1154]

What a fantastic tribute to Wilton Felder. Much respect to your channel and the knowledge and history of the players you showcase. Keep it going.

[@stevenroseboro9548]

I was a HUGE Crusaders Fan, without knowledge of all his great Bass work with other artists. Years ago He was walking to a Bible Study Class at my Neighbors house in Long Beach, CA and I ran up to him like a SWIFTIE, letting him know what a big fan I was. He was so humbled and thankful. One of the all time greats, you knew his sound on the Sax. RIP.

[@FunkOsax]

As a sax player, I basically learnt funk/soul sax by listening to Wilton Felder, in the 70’s, and I knew he was a good bass player, but I had absolutely no idea how good and who he’d played with until I watched this video. Thank you.

[@ManCaveStudio]

I recognize many of the tracks. Never knew who the bassist was. This guy is my new hero.

[@funkrocker8011]

My God! My jaw dropped to the ground when not only when I heard he played bass but the partial list of who he played bass for. I found out about Wilton Felder when my brother brought home that Crusaders album with 'Street Life On it' and as a kid who was so in love with music always made it a point of my duty to read the credits but Wilton Felder was listed as sax player. But man..... to find out that he played bass on some mega hits for some of the biggest stars and on songs that I grew up loving. My God man... Wilt's a genius. Paul thank you so much for your video man and your analysis of some killer bass lines.

[@kbsquare]

I'm a huge and longtime Crusader's fan and thoroughly appreciate what Wilton Felder provided for their music. I dug him when he harmonized with Wayne Henderson on horns and especially the bass solos he delivered on the Crusader's 1 and the 2nd Crusade albums. Simply some of the best bass solos ever. Check them out for yourself.

[@vinsharrelson2246]

I've always loved Wilton's bass playing, but was more enamored by his horn playing! (His sense of melody is killer, but that's what made his basslines classic, he knew how to contrast himself to the melody, but not play against it!) Thanks making me aware of the depth of Wilton's session work!

[@davidwood351]

I’m the world’s greatest Crusaders fan. Saw them at The Greek in LA in the 70’s. As a sax player, Wilton is my idol...

[@ericward8010]

I had lunch with Wilton in New York, the day after we played a Roy Gaines gig for the New Yorker Magazine. A great player, and a gracious gentleman.

[@ThomBoecker]

Just one word: thank you. Insightful as always.

[@andre257]

Wow, I love that two minute solo. I was a Young bass player back when this song came out the whole song is great what a way to end it. Thank you again for your great insight.

[@paulnicolosi4792]

I did a session with Ed Green, back in the late 70’s

[@cathridge]

I learned so much from Wilton. My father was a Crusaders fan and played their music a lot. Before I even knew I'd be a musician, I was already getting a music education right at home.

[@rudyzulkarnaen1633]

Again and again, you delivered very informative videos about great players that often less noticed by us. Of course I'm familiar with "I Want You Back", but I'm not really that familiar with Mr Felder's other works. So, thank you👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@omarthompson3957]

I called out his name ....... Just by looking at his face ..... I didn't know however his history of musical collaborations ........ His self taught brilliance only comes from one source ..... Jehovah God......... My late father loved him (Wilton Felder) in the Jazz Crusaders as well as myself growing up....... He was highly underrated........... A phenomenal artist he was indeed .......... Glad I grew up in the 60s ...... In a musical era of brilliance & excellence ........ ✌🏿

[@thomasanderson3892]

Wilton Fielder is super brilliant. Smooth rhythm.

[@bengalinsky4300]

I would argue his self taught brilliance probably came from dedication, practice and hard work, no need to attribute it to an abstract deity

[@theeadultsymphonychannel4090]

This awesome video is MUCH appreciated and long overdue for Crusader's fans to see. I'm very familiar with Wilton Felder because my late dad/guitarist loved The Crusaders. Few of us had knowledge of Wilton's abilities on bass next to his well known skills on Saxophone. Thank you a million Paul 💯💯 For highlighting Wilton Felder's bass playing on "Walking In The Rain With The One I Love" by Love Unlimited. I truly did not know this. Wow!!!

[@lavellmm1]

Another great video. I would just add that Felder, Ed Greene, Joe Sample and David T Walker were the backbone of the Barry White sound. Just adding Barry to that list of greats Felder has played with.

[@GeoffStrehlMusic]

Excellent! Great seeing you at Pittsburgh Bass Fest! You're a hero

[@russelljohnson8576]

He's absolutely right. Talented

[@chrisschrecker5497]

A ballad for Joe ( Joe Louis) on Southern Comfort is a killer bass lick.

[@The_JoeyGunz]

Great breakdown as always. Thanks for this! ☝🏾🖤👑

[@whatsgoingon71]

Man! The Emperor takes me back to my early years when i started playing. I used to Listen to this track all the time.

[@hamacus]

One of my favorite artist of all time! Thank you for honoring another great!

[@leroywilliams6380]

Paul, I totally agree with you regarding the "Walkin in the Rain's" bassline at the end. I oftentimes, hum that bassline even to this day....I didn't know that Mr. Felder played the bassline for the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and "The Love You Save," I always thought it was Jermaine....

[@osodelcity]

Another great video! Wilton Felder was a influence on my bass playing, I just didn’t know his name, I do now.

[@oliverlarsen7725]

Wilton was such great player, his music will live on to the end of time.

[@hillaryallen8423]

His playing on So Far Away by the Crusaders still knocks me out 50 years later.

[@shasha-muse6054]

I love that one too Hillary...I listen to it often when I'm traveling home from work, east on the Belt Parkway from Brooklyn. when I'm sitting in traffic overlooking the water and this is playing, no amount of traffic annoys me....its very calming.

[@bropeace2061]

Ask me I will tell you. They are still the best to me.

[@geraldcalhoun314]

I am a bassist also from Houston, born in 5 Ward where he was raised and had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wilton a few times, and close to some of his life long friends. I can’t thank you enough for this. There has been some great talent coming out of our city for years and thank you for this recognition of Mr. Wilton. There are many direct connections to my high school band director Conrad Johnson of Kashmere High school from the Jamie Fox documentary Thunder Soul. I will be reposting

[@kevgamble]

Just when it seems like your videos can't get any better, they keep getting better. Thank you!

[@WillyFranklinOnBass]

Love it man!!!!! Keep ‘em coming!!

[@mklcolvin]

Wow! I've been a HUGE fan of Wilton Felder & The Crusaders since my college days in the mid-70's (had most of their albums). I NEVER knew this about Wilton! Man, I love your videos - I learn SO much from you. Keep up the great work!

[@ronaldclark8174]

Fan since college days in the 70's. ✅. Had most of the Jazz Crusaders albums ✅. Never knew this about Wilton Felder ✅. I'm blown away also!!

[@gamble510]

I was already a Winton Felder fan just on the strength of his work with "The Crusaders" but to further discover his carryin' the melodies on the likes of Joni Mitchell's "Hissing of Summer Lawns"... wheeeeew shilznit!

[@Iconoplastt]

This channel is so great, the depth of your knowledge and understanding of bass is a real boon to the whole community!

[@edgarsnake2857]

This is a sweet tribute to an unrecognized giant of bass. Good on you for this.

[@eyeknowzz]

I’m so glad that you used ‘The Emperor’. I love that song and the bass that’s played on that record. Then you also focused on ‘Root Down’ too. This is a great video.

[@bassvibasics479]

YES!! Felder is so under-acknowledged it's criminal! Thank you Paul- keep up your excellent work. Seriously one of the best bass channels on KZbin.

[@BassPlayerNcl]

Wilton’s tone is incredible. From the first few notes, you know who is laying down the groove. Thank you so much for another video, Bassman 😊🎶🎵✌️❤️

[@bropeace2061]

The Crusaders I fell in love with the Crusaders. I'm still collecting them. To me they are all great including the extra musicians they featured the likes Larry Carlton. Long live gentlemen.

[@mgreene888]

You got me on this one! I had no idea. I saw the Crusaders many times in the 70's and 80's - Pops Popwell with the big Acoustic folded bass cab, yall! But I dont ever recall hearing that Wilton Felder was even a bass player much less having played lines that I had always assumed were played by James Jamerson. Great video.

[@travisbarney3591]

WOW! I had no idea of Felder's "other life"! Thank you SO much for making this video. Despite not being a bassist, I've actually enjoyed some of your other videos, as well, Paul. And now that I'm finding out that you're an alumnus of the greatest big band leader in history, I hope you'll also consider doing a video about what it was like to play with "the Boss", who was my introduction into being led down the path of loving Jazz!

[@joaoserraribeiro]

Great as always, and thank you for what you are doing. I have loved Wilton's work for years in The (Jazz) Crusaders and knew just a little about his work as a bassist. But The Crusaders' music has been so important in my life, just the mention of his work puts a smile on my face. Thank you for paying tribute to such a wonderful and criminally overlooked musician.

[@MrChilensko]

Great job as usual!!! Greetings from Spain.

[@EddioPinaR]

What a nice surprise to know the bass player in "walking in the rain" is the great Wilton Felder! Thank you very much. This is pop culture at its best

[@alexgaspar7494]

Its Always a treat when you showcase musicians/artists who ive discovered along the way who are inspirational in so many ways. Thank you for doing what you do!!!

[@joshuahenderson5023]

I love your channel. I'm not a musician, but anything that expands and deepens my appreciation of music earns my love. Educational, entertaining, and eye-opening. Thank you!!

[@DanShaferMusic]

Thank you Sir for sharing and introducing me to one of the greatest Bass Players behind some of the best music ever recorded! I appreciate you very much!!🤘😉

[@halcop]

Great video of Wilton Felder on bass. I know he played on the "I want you" album by Marvin Gaye. I could be wrong but I think Wilton is the bass player on "All the way around", one of my favorite bass lines on the album.

[@patrickr12342]

This video is a giant wave of information. Each video is a treasure, filled with jewels of music history. Thank you , for another supreme "pdbass-show"! Take care,keep the groove and god bless.

[@kenroberts34]

Wilton was an enormously talented and generous musician. He'd play with anyone- even someone as musically limited as me! I had occasion to jam with him a couple of times. Apart from his musical talents, Wilton was a wonderful person. I miss my friend.

[@H2R504]

One of the first basslines I ever learned was "Walking In The Rain" by Love Unlimited...never knowing that it was Wilton Felder. Also...could you check out the late George Hawkins, Jr. from Kenny Loggins band. He was such a mainstay for Kenny's first three solo albums and the "Alive" album.

[@sidaartha1]

Without a doubt! One the greatest underrated bassists of our time in addition to being a great sax player. Groovewise, tonewise, spacing, overall execution. Love this cat! Thank you for paying tribute to him by making this video and educating folks. I really enjoyed it.

[@mistersample]

Many thanks for sharing the story of Wilton Felder the unsung bass hero. I enjoy your videos.

[@jmiguelsimpkins]

Thanks for sharing this. His bass work isn’t talked about enough

[@bmdumas49]

I recognized Wilton Felder’s face but had no idea he was such a badass bass player after many years of listening to his saxophone playing. This is why I love your videos because I learn so much. I’m not a musician but was hooked on bass since I was a little girl. I had no idea that was him on Walking In The Rain With The One I Love. Hope you are feeling well and keep these videos coming 🎸

[@ronaldclark8174]

When I saw his picture, I said to myself: they captioned the wrong artist. Wow! Wasn't I schooled!!!

[@justsomebasslines]

amazing video, Paul - much respect for not going for the low-hanging fruit of "I Want You Back" and instead shining some light on some of WF's lesser-known (but equally as funky) performances!

[@anneolivier2317]

The pure joy of bass-loving ! Thanks from France.

[@bassfiddlesteve]

I love Wilton' Felder's playing. The Crusader's "The 2nd Crusade" from (1973) is essential and Wilton played bass on every track.

[@evanedwar]

Thanks for your video . I knew Wilton fielder also played bass but didn’t know on so many hits

[@ArenBMcLovin]

I like that #5 part from tha bassline from “The Love Yu Save” and also most of tha bassline to “I Wanna Be Where You Are” by Michael Jackson. I haven’t learned how to play those 2 yet. I also like tha bassline to “Dancing Machine” by Jackson 5, but my all time favorite Jackson 5 bassline to listen to and play is tha one from “The Life of the Party”. Tha basslines from “You” by Marvin Gaye, “The Life of the Party” by Jackson 5, and “Miracles” by Jackson Sisters are my favorite Soul/RnB basslines to listen to and play. I wanna learn how to play tha bassline to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” also one day (that would really make day). Great videos man. 😎👊🏾

[@juanbcn83]

Thank your for that video, starting with the first notes of Root down...simply perfect!!! Wilton Felder is one of my main influences. Listening in Root Down and the Grant Green live album "live at the lighthouse" it blew my mind. 2 albums for learn how to groooooooooove!!!!!!

[@Will-li7ux]

I'm a brazilian guy and I fkn love ALL of your channel! Thank you!!!

[@keithroberts4952]

I love his bass playing on I want you back and ABC by the J5!

[@strat0871]

I discovered Wilton 40 years ago by reading the credits on my Steely Dan records, he also recorded with Michael Franks if I'm right ? Great player, good imagination, absolutely. Cheers from France.

[@jmiguelsimpkins]

He did play with Michael Franks

[@dr.garynelson4687]

Your best episode yet! LOVE Wilton Felder, both as a saxophonist and a bass player. "Inherit the Wind" and "Gentle Fire" are two of my favorite albums by Mr. Felder. Great video!

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

Oh yeah, I've known about Wilton Felder the sax player and the bass player for years. Awesome breakdown and analysis of his playing style. You said it best. He was a master of space.

[@NorthAnchor]

I love your channel! Thank you and God bless!

[@allenbell3897]

I enjoy how you break everything down. I loved that Love Unlimited cut and had no idea that was Wilton on bass. As a teenager, I used to play the air bass during that song. LOL I had the opportunity to see my beloved Crusaders many times in Seattle, as Wilton was my favorite Crusader. I love your list, but a track that Wilton really sets the groove and tone for is on Ronnie Laws debut album "Pressure Sensitive" and the phenomenal cut is "Tidal Wave". Take a listen and enjoy the groove.

[@ShelleyAndKeith]

This is a little off topic, but I want to mention the 2 hour documentary on Ron Carter, “Finding the right notes” streaming on PBS video app. It’s well done, very revealing. Thanks so much.

[@pdbass]

LOVED it. Thx.

[@marioguarini]

Thank you Paul absolutely a video that had to be done to give justice to a great musician, many songs i don't knew. Yes we listened a million times i want you back, but the bass part is so brilliant i never get tired of it, thank you so much as always for your precious work.

[@bassocanario]

Professor PDBass...So much multi-genre modern music history on this channel...Love it, thank you!🙏🏽

[@priceconsult5880]

Love this piece man, I did not know that Felder did it like that on bass; WOW! Much respect, thanks for the reveal, and kudos to you for keeping us informed about our little known bass history!